Synonyms for clown


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : kloun
Phonetic Transcription : klaÊŠn

Top 10 synonyms for clown Other synonyms for the word clown

Définition of clown

Origin :
  • 1560s, clowne, also cloyne, "rustic, boor, peasant," origin uncertain. Perhaps from Scandinavian dialect (cf. Icelandic klunni "clumsy, boorish fellow;" Swedish kluns "a hard knob; a clumsy fellow," Danish klunt "log, block"), or akin to North Frisian klönne "clumsy person." Or, less likely, from Latin colonus "colonist, farmer," though awareness of this word might have influenced the sense development in English.
  • Meaning "professional fool, professional or habitual jester" is c.1600. "The pantomime clown represents a blend of the Shakes[pearean] rustic with one of the stock types of the It. comedy" [Weekley]. Meaning "contemptible person" is from 1920s. Fem. form clowness attested from 1801.
  • noun joking person
  • noun stupid, ignorant person
  • verb joke
Example sentences :
  • Kemp, the clown of his company, knew her, and dedicated a book to her rather familiarly.
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris
  • On the front seat is a peasant, laughing at the antics of the clown.
  • Extract from : « The American Mind » by Bliss Perry
  • Here is a vain person, and Malvolio is imprisoned and twitted by a clown.
  • Extract from : « The American Mind » by Bliss Perry
  • A clown seized Philemon's hand, and hurried him into the ring.
  • Extract from : « Harper's Young People, July 13, 1880 » by Various
  • They will think I am a clown out for a holiday, but I can't help that.
  • Extract from : « Punch or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, September 3, 1887 » by Various
  • Whenever the clown wants to rest, he has to get in the somersault position.
  • Extract from : « Common Science » by Carleton W. Washburne
  • "Oh, I am not tired," said the clown, yawning in spite of himself.
  • Extract from : « The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume II (of 2) » by Alexandre Dumas pre
  • "She is downstairs," said the clown, with a significant gesture.
  • Extract from : « The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume II (of 2) » by Alexandre Dumas pre
  • Caillette followed the clown, then came Girdel, and finally Fanfaro.
  • Extract from : « The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume II (of 2) » by Alexandre Dumas pre
  • And I shall go on being a clown, because that's what I can do and it amuses them.
  • Extract from : « Under the Country Sky » by Grace S. Richmond
Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019